Madhya Pradesh: In the past four months, a distressing total of eight cheetahs, including three cubs, have tragically perished at a national park. Of these recent deaths, two have been attributed to an alleged skin infection called septicaemia, believed to have been caused by abrasion from radio collars. The fatalities have raised serious concerns about the monitoring and well-being of these endangered felines within the park.
Given the concerning situation, at hand the Supreme Court has advised the government against treating this matter as a matter of pride. Highlighting the seriousness of the cheetahs deaths the court restated its recommendation from May urging the government to consider possibilities for offering habitats for these cheetahs irrespective of their current locations, within various states.
The government has agreed to file its response, and the matter will be heard again on August 1, where further actions and measures will likely be discussed to address the critical situation. Following the demise of two cheetahs named Tejas and Suraj, a steering committee meeting was convened, leading to the transfer of Madhya Pradesh’s chief wildlife warden and head of the cheetah project at the national park, Jasbir Singh Chauhan.
Currently, the national park houses 15 cheetahs, with four in enclosures and 11 in the wild. Tragically, one cub was rejected by its mother, and forest officials are now providing care and support for its survival.
These incidents have really highlighted the pressing need to enhance monitoring and conservation efforts in order to safeguard these species. It also emphasizes how crucial it is to preserve their habitats and ensure their well being, within the ecosystem. The nation’s commitment to safeguarding endangered species like cheetahs is paramount to maintaining the rich biodiversity and ecological balance of our precious natural heritage. Addressing these issues promptly and effectively is crucial to securing the future of these magnificent creatures in India.